CRYSTAL FLORES Hometown: Bethlehem, PA College: P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science Major: Civil Engineering Describe one of your proudest accomplishments. My proudest accomplishment while at Lehigh has been being voted into an executive position for the Marching 97. I’ve been playing saxophone for over a decade, and it has brought me so much joy, so when I was on my college search, I made it a priority that the schools had to have a fun and strong marching band. I love Lehigh, and I love the Marching 97. It is a place where anyone and everyone can be their weird selves and find the kindest people ever. I ran for the instrument manager position, and the moment I knew I had been selected was the best moment so far at Lehigh. The Marching 97 has brought so many smiles and created so many long-lasting friendships. It is an honor to be an executive member this year for the band. Lehigh’s strategic plan, Inspiring the Future Makers, is built upon the notion that “The way forward is not yet defined. The future is ours for the making.” How do you intend to make your mark on campus and beyond? I am from South Side Bethlehem and honestly love Bethlehem. I hope to eventually raise a family here. I want to improve this town, and being at Lehigh allows me to do this. In the future, I hope to be the owner of my own general construction company. As a female in this field, I hope to be able to employ more females and create a kind and encouraging workplace. Lehigh has been a college where I never felt out of place for my identity, and I hope to be able to create the same space in my future company. A message from Crystal: I am a first-generation Hispanic girl with a dream. I love construction and have chosen a field where there aren’t many people like me. I hope to start my own company that is able to support people like me, and I chose to go to Lehigh even though it was a financial stretch. I want to be the family member who encourages my younger cousins to go to college and follow their dreams even if they are not the norm. I want to just say thank you. It is because of people like you that families are improving and are able to dream big. Thank you for giving me a shot at my dream. Thank you for allowing me to be at Lehigh. Fun Fact: I was in an a cappella group in high school.
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